How to Cook the Perfect Boiled Egg

How Long Does it Take to Make Soft Boiled Eggs with Runny Yolks?

Jan 19, 2009

There are many variations among methods of how to make the perfect boiled egg with a soft, runny yolk and set white, but here is one technique that seems to work.

Ever been hoping for the perfect boiled egg for breakfast, only to take its shell off and discover the yolk is not soft and runny, and that it is not really possible to dip the soldiers in it? Boiled eggs are a traditional, simple yet nutritious breakfast meal, but even though they should be very easy to make, many people have difficulty getting them right, hence the saying ‘can’t boil an egg’. Here’s how to make perfect boiled eggs with soft, runny yolks that can easily be dipped into.

Recipe for Perfect Soft Boiled Eggs with Runny Yolks (for Medium-Sized Eggs)

Boil the kettle, and use it to fill a small saucepan with about 2 inches of water. Use the smallest saucepan available which allows the eggs to sit on one layer (this is so that when they are in the boiling water there is less risk of them knocking into each other and cracking).
Put the saucepan on the hob, adjust to a high heat, and bring the water back to a raging boil. Set a timer for 5 minutes. Using a tablespoon, or a slotted spoon with a long handle, carefully transfer the eggs into the water without dropping them, and wait for the water to begin boiling again. When it boils, start the timer, and don’t adjust the heat setting. If making soldiers, put the toast on when the timer is started. When the timer goes off, the toast will be done, and there should be just enough time to butter it and slice it into soldiers.
When the 5 minutes are up, carefully remove the eggs from the saucepan and serve immediately in egg cups. The boiled eggs should have a white that is completely set, and a thick, creamy, but still runny yolk that is perfect for dipping soldiers into.

Timings for Soft and Hard Boiled Eggs

Large Eggs

Soft runny yolk with solid white - boil for 6 minutes
Yolk that is set - boil for 7 minutes
White that is wobbly - boil for 5 minutes

Medium Eggs

Soft runny yolk with solid white - boil for 5 minutes
Yolk that is set - boil for 6 minutes
White that is wobbly - boil for 4 minutes

Small Eggs

Soft runny yolk with solid white - boil for 4 minutes
Yolk that is set - boil for 5 minutes
White that is wobbly - boil for 3 minutes

Remember to always use a timer. Don’t try to guess how many minutes have passed, because the time it takes to cook a perfect boiled egg is precise.

Boiled eggs can be included as part of a healthy, balanced diet because they are low in saturated fat and do not significantly increase blood cholesterol levels or the risk of coronary heart disease. For more information about eggs and cholesterol, read Eggs, High Cholesterol Levels and Heart Disease. To learn more about chicken egg nutrition, read the Nutritional Value of Chicken Eggs.

The copyright of the article How to Cook the Perfect Boiled Egg in Breakfast Recipes is owned by Sharon Kirby. Permission to republish How to Cook the Perfect Boiled Egg in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.